Celtic have a stacked first-team squad at this point of time. Yet, there could be further changes to come at Parkhead over the course of this month. The Hoops have already brought in Yuki Kobayashi, Tomoki Iwata and Alistair Johnston, with the Canadian international impressing in his first couple of appearances for the Hoops. And more signings could potentially be made.
There are players though, who could be set to head in the opposite direction in the January transfer window. And one who looks almost certain to leave is Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Rumours had broken out last month itself that Giakoumakis had failed to agree terms on a contract extension and was keen to depart Parkhead. The fact that he has not started any of the recent games does seem to point towards an exit in the near future as well.
On the other hand, Celtic could be closing in on a move for Cho Gue-sung of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, as rumours have emerged that they have outbid Mainz for the South Korean striker.
Celtic told to get rid of first-team player this January
As reported by Football Insider, Frank McAvennie said about the situation of Giakoumakis:
"“I think Ange is bringing in a striker, so he is going to be further down the pecking order“He is a good player, he fights for everything. But when he is not scoring goals he does not do a lot for the team whereas the movement up front of Kyogo is something you can’t ignore.“If it was between the two of them then you have got to get rid of Giakoumakis. If he went to Midtjylland it is a step down definitely, but he will get a game every week and he would be the top man there.“"
Now, Giakoumakis does deserve credit for continuing to make appearances for the club and giving it his best, if he is indeed looking to engineer an exit away from Parkhead this month.
A transfer exit might not be far away for Giakoumakis either, as recent rumours have suggested that the Greek striker is close to making a switch to J League club, Urawa Red Diamonds. That’s something not many people would have seen coming, if it actually does transpire.
Let’s see how things play out. It is important though that Celtic do sign a striker before they let Giakoumakis depart Parkhead in the January transfer window.